Dentistry

Dental Hygiene Appointments

Hygienist Regulations

The General Dental Council has now ruled that patients who want to visit a dental hygienist can now do so without the need for their dentist to officially refer them.

Hygiene

So to anyone who would like to book in with our lovely hygienist, Maryan, please pick up the phone and call us for an appointment.

Our phone number here at The Ivy Clinic in Teddington is 020 8977 8700

Root Canal Treatment

The truth about Root Canal Treatment!

toothache

When people are told that they need a root canal treatment, they usually think about pain.

However, the pain they feel is caused by an infection in the tooth, not by root canal treatment.

Our Principle Dentist, Dillon Chan, here at The Ivy Clinic in Teddington, has a particular interest in root canal treatments, and will explain what the treatment involves, and will put you at your ease.

Root canal treatment is done to eliminate that pain and prevent it from coming back, the procedure itself is painless.

A local anaesthetic numbs the tooth and the surrounding area.

Many people may be afraid to have root canal treatment carried out because they are anxious about having any dental treatment.

Please let your dentist know if you are nervous about dental treatments as they can best advise you on how they can help you cope or manage your anxiety.

Has your crown come off?

A lost crown is rarely an emergency, however, it can be painful because the exposed tooth is often sensitive to temperature, pressure or air,

put it in a safe place and make an appointment to see one of our dentists here at The Ivy, as soon as you can.

Smiling Lips

and in the meantime,  here are some helpful tips:

  • Don’t wait too long!
  • What is left of the tooth will not be as strong as your crown. It could be damaged more without the crown to protect it.
  • When a crown is missing for a long time, the teeth next to it may move into the space where the crown was, if this happens, your crown may no longer fit.
  • Apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area with a cotton swab.  This will give you some pain relief.
  • If you’ve lost the filling or crown, you can put dental cement (available at a chemist), directly on the tooth surface. This will help to protect and seal the area until you’re able to see your dentist.
  • Do not use any household glues!  They are not safe to put in your mouth and they could damage the tooth and crown

How do I Manage My Sensitive Teeth?

How do I Manage my sensitive teeth?

Tooth sensitivity is due to the exposure of dentine, either through loss of the enamel layer or recession of the gums.

Temperature changes and certain foods (acidic or sweet), even just cold water can cause the tooth or teeth to become sensitized which can be very uncomfortable.

Sensitive Teeth

Often, making simple changes can make a big difference.

If your teeth are sensitive, there are several simple but important steps you can take today to manage sensitive teeth and to help stop them from getting worse:

  • Practice good oral hygiene, including proper brushing and flossing, to help prevent conditions such as gum disease, which can cause receding gums.
  • Use a toothpaste specially formulated to treat the pain of sensitive teeth.
  • Don’t brush too hard.
  • Use a soft toothbrush, preferably one designed for sensitive teeth.
  • Avoid acidic foods that can wear away tooth enamel, such as acidic fruits, vinegar salad dressings and carbonated soft drinks.
  • Avoid grinding your teeth or clenching during the day, asking your dentist about a mouth guard for night time use, could be really helpful.

To be sure your tooth pain is not the result of a more serious condition, see your dentist as soon as possible.

He or she will be able to treat the problem and give you the right dental care recommendations and advice.